Iran and the United States have “very good progress” in recent talks, reaching an agreement to start work on a framework for a possible nuclear accord. The negotiations are against the backdrop of increasing tensions, with President Donald Trump calling for quick results and issuing threats of military action.

Meanwhile, Israel is still contemplating attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. Despite the pressure, both sides will dispatch experts to Oman this week to craft the parameters of a new accord. Iran refuses to dismantle its nuclear program but is willing to accept restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief. The success of these negotiations could decide whether diplomacy succeeds or war breaks out.

Rome Breakthrough: Four-Hour Indirect Negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had a second indirect session in Rome. Messages were conveyed through an Omani representative. The four-hour session ended with the two parties deciding to proceed.

Araqchi termed the session “constructive” and stated the two sides “had a better understanding.” A US official confirmed the tone, the session being a display of “very good progress.”

Expert Talks Scheduled for Wednesday in Oman

The second stage starts Wednesday, when technical experts from both nations will gather in Oman. They will aim to create a working draft using principles agreed upon in Rome.

Araqchi added that senior negotiators would go back to Oman on Saturday to consider the experts’ proposals and assess compatibility with preliminary objectives.

Despite the optimism, Iran’s tough conditions persist. A top Iranian official stated that Tehran would never give up its centrifuges or suspend uranium enrichment. Tehran also does not agree to reduce its enriched uranium stockpile to pre-2015 levels.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. It wants relief from international sanctions in exchange for any limitation on its atomic activity.

Trump Wants a Deal—But On His Terms

US President Donald Trump, needs immediate results. He warned on Friday that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon” but followed up by saying, “I want Iran to be great and prosperous.”

His government seems prepared to rejoin, but only if Iran does so on different terms than originally agreed upon.

Israel Keeps Military Option on the Table

The talks occur under the specter of possible Israeli action. Israeli officials haven’t excluded a strike against Iran’s nuclear program. Three sources confirmed that there is active military planning.

Israel was against the 2015 agreement and sees Iran’s current uranium inventory as a dangerous threat. Iran has significantly surpassed the enrichment caps of the initial agreement since 2019.

Will Expert-Level Talks Prevent War?

This development poses a vital question—can expert-level negotiations de-escalate military threats? With Trump pushing hard and Israel considering attacks, the success of the technical team could make or break whether diplomacy works.

These Oman meetings are more than a drafting session. They are now the battle line in a high-risk gamble for peace or escalation.